Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Atlanta, GA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.9% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
5.0% 5.0% cheaper housing
4.1% 4.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 4.1% more
Salt Lake City
98
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 9.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% more
Salt Lake City
96
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 12.5% more
Salt Lake City
88
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index105107~Same
Housing1201145.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$475,000$380,00020.0% less
Groceries981024.1% more
Transportation1001099.0% more
Healthcare961026.2% more
Utilities889912.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax4.65%5.39%
State Sales Tax6.10%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Atlanta outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Atlanta to maintain your Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City and Atlanta → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Atlanta →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Salt Lake City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Atlanta?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Salt Lake City to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Salt Lake City vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Georgia averages 0.72%.